Page 284 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Dinna’ worry. I am certain he is safe. It may be it is taking more time than anticipated to gather his men.”

That was true. She had no idea how Lady Taresa managed her men. “I am certain you are right,” she said.

“Is that all?” he asked.

“Not quite. Can ye tell me, Sir Ascot, the night you came for me at the convent, how long did ye wait?”

“Wait, my lady?”

“Before I arrived.”

“It was some time,” he said. “I am of the mind that had we left sooner, Sir Talbot would no’ have caught us.”

Rhoslyn couldn’t help a small gasp.

“My lady, forgive me. I did no’ mean to blame you. You could not have understood the need for haste. In truth, I didna’ believe he would stop us. How could he have possibly known?” Sir Ascot paused, then his gaze sharpened and Rhoslyn realized he’d deduced that she knew something. “Have ye an idea who told him?” He went down on one knee before her. “Tell me and I will deal with the traitor.”

Rhoslyn smiled gently. “Sir Ascot, do ye regret our current circumstances?”

“You shouldna’ be caught in the middle of someone else’s war,” he said vehemently.

“And if this war had been Lord Melrose’s?” she asked.

He didn’t answer.

She laid a hand on his arm. “I understand your fears.” And share them. “Did my grandfather no’ send you here to help my husband?”

He bent his head. “Forgive me, my lady. I am yours to command.”

“Continue as ye have,” she said. “When you protect St. Claire, you protect me.”

He lifted his head and determined glint shone in his eyes. “Aye, my lady.” He rose, bowed, and left.

Rhoslyn stared even after the door had closed.

Abbess Beatrice had slipped away from the convent while Hildegard delayed her grandfather’s men.

Why?

* * *

Talbot glanced past the warrior carrying the torch and caught sight of the approaching rider.

The man drew up alongside the torchman and said to Talbot, “There is a company of men, about two hundred, approaching from the rear.”

“Who are they?” he demanded.

“They are flying the banner of Lord Lochland.”

Talbot exchanged a glance with Seward, who rode to his left. “Have you any idea what he wants?”

Seward shook his head. “Nay.”

“They are riding fast,” the warrior said.

Castle Glenbarr lay two miles ahead. Talbot found it hard to believe the earl was headed anywhere but there.

“I will take my men and see what he wants,” Seward said.